I have recently been really interested in the name [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]. I (like most people) have known a lot of people named [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] of varying ages and personalities, so to me, [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is kind of a blank slate. Does anyone else feel that way, or does it make you think of a specific time period, person, etc?
No, I think it’s timeless as well. I love [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]!
I definitely think it’s timeless, too! I think first and foremost of my boss (who is a [name_m]Joe[/name_m]), but he’s a good guy, so it’s not a bad association for me. I then think of a very dear friend I had in high school, which makes me love it even more. He was one of the very best people I have ever known in my life, so I smile when I think of [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] (and him!). I like the nn [name_m]Joe[/name_m] a lot. Then I think of the Biblical Josephs (at least three of them!). I have [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] on my list as a middle to honor the [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] connection my sister and I share with our names ([name_f]Marie[/name_f] and [name_f]Natalie[/name_f]). Somewhere in there I think of [name_m]Joe[/name_m] [name_m]Jonas[/name_m], but it’s after all the Joes I know personally, and probably before the Biblical Josephs (although maybe after?).
Here in [name_f]Austria[/name_f] it is definitely not timeless, at least in my opinion. It reminds me of my grandpa (who’s name was [name_m]Josef[/name_m]), for a reason: It is a name for old(er) people, I think parents stopped using the name excessively before my generation. Nowadays it is still used but it is definitely not a ‘trendy’ name, and no matter how hard you try to avoid it, [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]/[name_m]Josef[/name_m] here always comes with the nn Peppi.
The English pronunciation of [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is much less old-fashioned than the [name_m]German[/name_m] one which makes me like it very much.
Here in [name_f]Austria[/name_f] it is definitely not timeless, at least in my opinion. It reminds me of my grandpa (who’s name was [name_m]Josef[/name_m]), for a reason: It is a name for old(er) people, I think parents stopped using the name excessively before my generation. Nowadays it is still used but it is definitely not a ‘trendy’ name, and no matter how hard you try to avoid it, [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]/[name_m]Josef[/name_m] here always comes with the nn Peppi.
The English pronunciation of [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is much less old-fashioned than the [name_m]German[/name_m] one which makes me like it very much.
I automatically think of St. [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]. I love [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] for it’s sonority and because of the possibility of Zeph as a nickname. I think it’s a beautiful name and the English variation of [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is just about the only one I love. ([name_m]Yousef[/name_m], [name_m]Josef[/name_m], [name_m]Jos[/name_m]é… all are bleh).
You’re right, [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is basically a blank slate. Everyone knows or has known at least a few Joes/Josephs personally, but also everyone can easily off the top of their head produce a ream of famous, literary and historical Josephs. There are so many references that no single one is dominating for most people. [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] could be anyone! It’s a name that gives a boy/man a lot of freedom I think, because it doesn’t set any expectations for him. That’s the benefit of most of the timeless classics. That’s why Hitler destroyed the name [name_m]Adolf[/name_m], but Stalin didn’t make a dent in the popularity of [name_m]Joseph[/name_m].
[name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is a timeless, lovely name in my eyes. It brings to mind [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] from the Bible (the Virgin [name_f]Mary[/name_f]'s husband), which is a lovely connotation. One of my favorite Biblical names and names for boys. : )
It makes me think of my uncle “[name_m]Joe[/name_m]” who is very Italian lol. Regardless, I grew up with quite a few Joes, and my cousin has a baby named [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] (who they call [name_u]Joey[/name_u]). I feel it is a timeless name and would not be surprised to hear it on a baby. imo it is a classic name.
My sons name is J0sef so obviously I love it! lol
We have met only 2 or 3 other young J0sef/ph’s and we get compliments on his name all the time!
Usually he gets called [name_m]Joe[/name_m]… we have a hard time getting people NOT to call him [name_u]Joey[/name_u] as we don’t really like it but I think its an all around great name!
When I hear [name_m]Joseph[/name_m], I think of my uncle [name_m]Joe[/name_m] and my great-grandfather [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]. I also associate the name with my friend [name_u]Joey[/name_u], who died in an accident 8 years ago in [name_u]June[/name_u], shortly after the end of the school year.
I think of Catholicism when I hear the whole name [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]. But, when I here [name_m]Joe[/name_m] or [name_u]Joey[/name_u] I think of an average. Work an 8-5 job, eats oatmeal for breakfast. [name_m]Just[/name_m] an average everyman kind of man.
I think of my son! Most of the time he goes by Zep or [name_m]Zeppelin[/name_m] (my husband calls him that for fun) and we couldn’t be happier with his name. He himself loves it.
Other than that, when I think of [name_m]Joseph[/name_m], I think of an energetic, talkative boy with dark hair and bright eyes. I think of someone who loves having fun, has a great sense of humor, but at the same time is caring, responsible and hard-working. I say this because all of the [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]'s, [name_m]Jos[/name_m]é, [name_m]Yusef[/name_m], [name_m]Joe[/name_m]'s, [name_u]Jay[/name_u]'s and [name_u]Joey[/name_u]'s I ever met were like this.